1
as in cuddling
to touch one another with the lips as a sign of love
it's traditional for couples to kiss under the mistletoe at Christmastime
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in brushing
to pass lightly across or touch gently especially in passing
a gentle breeze kissing the water's surface
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of kissing
On May 12, Colbert sat down with Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Pedro Pascal and wound up kissing both of them on the lips to the delight of his studio audience.
—
Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 13 May 2026
In another shot, Brittany shared a boomerang of Patrick kissing her on the cheek.
—Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 11 May 2026
By the end of it, people are of course kissing, because that’s what should be happening all the time.
—Rolling Stone, 7 May 2026
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, kissing at the Grand Champions Polo Club as his team won the Royal Salute Polo Challenge.
—Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 7 May 2026
Since then, additional photos have emerged of the two gambling at a casino in 2024 and seemingly kissing at a bar in 2020.
—Bobby Burack Outkick, FOXNews.com, 6 May 2026
One of our favorite celeb couples, Ciara and Russell Wilson, brought glitz and polished glamour to the room, and as always, the NFL player was a gentleman, kissing her hand and making room for his queen to shine.
—Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 5 May 2026
Alisoun has previously tricked Absalom into kissing her butt by sticking it out the window just as Absalom leaned in, intent on kissing her other cheek.
—Literary Hub, 4 May 2026
Simple precautions such as hand washing and avoiding kissing birds can reduce the risk of infection from backyard flocks.
—Jonel Aleccia, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026
Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 13 May 2026
In another shot, Brittany shared a boomerang of Patrick kissing her on the cheek.
—Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 11 May 2026
By the end of it, people are of course kissing, because that’s what should be happening all the time.
—Rolling Stone, 7 May 2026
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, kissing at the Grand Champions Polo Club as his team won the Royal Salute Polo Challenge.
—Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 7 May 2026
Since then, additional photos have emerged of the two gambling at a casino in 2024 and seemingly kissing at a bar in 2020.
—Bobby Burack Outkick, FOXNews.com, 6 May 2026
One of our favorite celeb couples, Ciara and Russell Wilson, brought glitz and polished glamour to the room, and as always, the NFL player was a gentleman, kissing her hand and making room for his queen to shine.
—Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 5 May 2026
Alisoun has previously tricked Absalom into kissing her butt by sticking it out the window just as Absalom leaned in, intent on kissing her other cheek.
—Literary Hub, 4 May 2026
Simple precautions such as hand washing and avoiding kissing birds can reduce the risk of infection from backyard flocks.
—Jonel Aleccia, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kissing
Verb
-
In another snap, Bündchen can be seen lying in bed, cuddling Jack, as well as her and Brady's two kids, Benjamin and Vivian.—
Staff Author,
PEOPLE,
12 May 2026
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The couple shared an idyllic photo to mark the occasion, cuddling in the grass with their young and beautiful children, Prince George, 12, Prince Louis, newly 8, and Princess Charlotte, 10 and their dog, Orla.—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
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In April, O’Reilly’s opener was an unchallenged header in the six-yard box after brushing off Santos.—
Cerys Jones,
New York Times,
13 May 2026
-
The scribble art was placed right in the bend of her knee, with some of the design just barely brushing her lower thigh.—
Kara Nesvig,
Allure,
11 May 2026
Verb
-
The late-night host has been on a hilarious smooching spree during his second-to-last week on the air, kissing several guests in recent days.—
Brendan Morrow,
USA Today,
13 May 2026
-
The new couple was most recently spotted smooching and holding hands in Los Angeles' Los Feliz neighborhood on Friday, April 3, and getting coffees on Sunday, April 5.—
Jack Smart,
PEOPLE,
7 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The Israeli security establishment is specifically concerned about an interim deal that would extend the ceasefire, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and ease economic pressure on Iran without touching the nuclear file altogether.—
Tal Shalev,
CNN Money,
12 May 2026
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For all the reheated ’90s rave euphoria in pop and club music, a new generation are recognizing the touching optimism that has remained trapped in Tomorrowland aftermovies until now.—
Nathan Evans,
Pitchfork,
12 May 2026
Verb
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Sitting just to the left of the net with American goaltender Connor Hellebuyck still hugging the opposite post, MacKinnon sailed a wrist shot just wide of the pipes.—
Austin Perry OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
14 May 2026
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Goodell had some fun onstage, hugging Buck in the increasingly aggressive way that he has been known to hug players at the draft.—
Peter White,
Deadline,
12 May 2026
Verb
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People should avoid kissing or snuggling with backyard birds, the CDC says.—
Jonel Aleccia,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Apr. 2026
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What could be worse than snuggling and sitting on his lap?—
Sean Joseph OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
29 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Kissing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kissing. Accessed 18 May. 2026.
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